Question

The dry density decreases in cohesion less soil with an increase in water content due to which of the following reasons?

(a) Capillary rise

(b) Bulking of sand

(c) Degree of saturation

(d) Water content

I got this question by my college professor while I was bunking the class.

The doubt is from Factors Affecting Compaction topic in division Compaction of Geotechnical Engineering I

Answer 1

Correct choice is (b) Bulking of sand

Explanation: In case of cohesion less soil the dry density decreases with an increase in water content under a low compactive effect, this is due to bulking of sands where in the capillary tension resists the tendency of soil particles to take a density state.